Nicola Oldfield, chief engineer at Middle Level Commissioners, gave an interesting talk to The March Society about the draining of the Fens both in the past and in the present time.

She also outlined the plans for the future.

Nicola, who has been in the post for 18 months, described the drainage projects completed over the last 400 years from Vermuyden onwards.

All the works are intended to prevent serious widespread flooding in an enormous area of low-lying land.

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However, one of the unintended consequences of the drainage is the continuous land shrinkage and drop.

Embankments had to be constructed to prevent water from flowing back onto the land.

Numerous pumps were installed in order to get water from the now low-lying land into the main watercourses.

Nicola commented that, during their 2023/4 year, a record amount of winter rainfall had resulted in more volume of water than ever before being pumped through the St Germans pumping station. 70 smaller pumping stations were also continuously in action.

Different challenges for the future, including climate change, means that further widespread bank raising and river desilting are required.

The protection of homes, agriculture and wildlife remain priorities. Liaison work with Anglia Water concerning their new reservoir is ongoing. It is due to be operational by 2036.

The March Society’s next talk is on Wednesday, July 24 at 7pm in March Library and is entitled ‘The Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshire What does it do?’

The talk will be presented by Iain Webb who is the community conservation officer (Cambridgeshire) The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire.

Come along for an interesting talk, refreshments and latest March news. All welcome. Members £2, visitors £3.

If The March Society is to continue from September’s AGM after 17 years, it needs new committee members. If you are interested, contact the Society email: info@themarchsociety.org.uk and website: https://themarchsociety.chessck.co.uk/